Security beefed up in Bastar ahead of Narendra Modi's rally

Security has been beefed up across naxal-affected Bastar region in Chhattisgarh ahead of BJP's primeministerial candidate Narendra Modi's election rally in Kondagaon district tomorrow. "Elaborate security arrangements have been made in the region, particularly at important locations," a senior police official said.

Security personnel have been deployed in large numbers at Kondagaon Stadium grounds, the venue of the rally, as people from two Lok Sabha constituencies---Bastar and Kanker--are expected to attend the event, the official said.

Amid reports that Maoists may target political rallies in the restive region, security forces have been directed to maintain a strict vigil on any suspicious movement.

Bastar will go to polls in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in the state on April 10, while Kanker on April 17 along with two other seats - Mahasamund and Rajnandgaon. Dinesh Kashyap, sitting MP and son of the veteran BJP leader late Baliram Kashyap, is in the fray from Bastar against Congress' Deepak Karma, son of former Opposition Leader late Mahendra Karma.

Also in the poll arena are CPI's Vimla Sori and tribal activist Soni Sori, who is contesting on AAP ticket.

Chhattisgarh will have a three-phase poll for all 11 Lok Sabha seats next month.